Sam Mellinger

So is KC Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes really EVERYWHERE? Where does Kansas go now? What's up with Danny Duffy? We getting an NBA team in Kansas City now or what? Where does Peter Vermes rank historically in Kansas City sports? What's the future of sports stadiums?

Sheahon Zenger did not have a great case to remain the Kansas Jayhawks athletic director. But the timing of his firing by KU makes it more difficult for the current football coach, David Beaty, and perhaps the next one, too.

Purely in terms of talent, cost, age and what's coming for the future, the 2018 Kansas City Royals may be in worse shape than in 2006, when Dayton Moore took over. At least they have some front-office experience on their side.

Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy is relentlessly hard on himself. That's part of how he made it this far, to enough major-league success for a $65 million contract. It's also part of what's holding him back at the moment.

The story of how Jose Martinez went from Kansas City Royals non-prospect to St. Louis Cardinals slugger is a classic baseball tale involving coincidence, identity, unpredictability, two teams and two men with the same name.

Mellinger Minutes: Kansas City sports analysis: What does Peter Vermes' contract extension mean for him and Sporting KC? What's the Royals' succession plan? Who's the country's best sports writer? And, we have an announcement about beer.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Soler was so bad in 2017 that he was demoted. Twice. He is now hitting .312 with a .435 on-base and .538 slugging percentage. Baseball history going back to 2000 includes no precedent for a player being so good the year after being so bad.

The KC Chiefs made a statement for their defense on Friday, selecting three defensive players they hope will shore up their work on that side of the ball. And Brett Veach proved in the process that he's not afraid to make a splash.

Ned Yost, whose contract expires after the 2018 season, says he wants to continue as manager of the Kansas City Royals because he wants to help the organization out of "rough waters." That's part of it. There's more.

Condoleezza Rice's Commission on College Basketball had a real chance to call for positive change. Instead, her recommendations nibble at the edges of what's ailing college basketball and protect the NCAA's profits while ignoring the real problems.

The Royals stink. The offense is last in the league in runs, and the bullpen is the worst in baseball. Dayton Moore has steadfastly refused a hard rebuild, but this season may leave him no choice, and that may be good for the Royals' future.

Will the KC Chiefs trade into the first round? Which Royals players have the most trade value? Why is Royals manager Ned Yost still managing? The Royals' drafts have really stunk, huh? Which would be the best Chiefs road trip?

Kansas, now involved in the FBI's college basketball bribery investigation, should not use the word "victim" as PR cover. Also, calls for breaking off contract extension talks with adidas miss a more complicated reality in college basketball.

How worried should KU fans be? Fair to compare Sporting Kansas City and Royals attendance? Why aren't the Royals further along by now? How bad will attendance be, and will it affect the future? Advice for traveling with kids? What are the best smoked meats?